You had an abortion. It seemed like the right choice at the time. 

But now you are dealing with a flood of emotions in the aftermath of the event that you never expected. 

Perhaps you have recurring nightmares or feel numb inside. Maybe you have trouble connecting emotionally with your current children or spouse. Maybe the shame is overwhelming. 

If so, you’re not alone. 

You can’t go back and undo the procedure. But you can move forward with hope and healing. 

What is the First Step to Healing After an Abortion?

If you are in a dark place after your abortion, change will only happen when you bring it out into the open.

Many women think they can’t talk about their abortion becuase people won’t understand. But Forty-three percent of women, or 1 in 3,  have had an abortion. So the odds are pretty good that others will not only understand, but will have experienced the same thing.

Why Should Post-Abortive Women Allow Themselves to Grieve?

Many women who have had an abortion have never allowed themsevles to grieve becuase they either have not realized they need to, or feel that they don’t deserve to grieve because abortion was their choice.

But stuffing down your emotions is not a healthy way of moving forward.

Even if your abortion was decades in the past, your unprocessed emotions have been festering below the surface and manifesting in ways you probably don’t even realize.

The only way to really find freedom is to walk through the valley of emotion, so you can get to the mountaintop on the other side.

What Other Practical Ways Can You Process Emotional Trauma After an Abortion?

After sharing your story, bringing the truth of your past to light, and recognizing you need to process your emotions, there are some other steps you can take on the path to healing.

1. Stop telling yourself how you “should” be feeling, and allow yourself to feel how you truly feel.
2. Write in a journal.
3. Talk with a licensed counselor. 
4. Listen to stories of others who have been there and have found forgiveness, hope and healing. 
5. Choose forgiveness for yourself. It exists for you!
6. Find a support group through our clinic. We can help connect you with other women who have or are experiencing the same thing you are. It can be such an encouragement to see that you are not alone.

If you have had an abortion and are struggling with shame, fear, guilt, or any other emotional battle, please do not face it alone! Isolation only makes you suffer more. 

Bring others in. Bring us in! We can support you through your post-abortion journey and help you on the road to hope and healing.